Banjul, The Gambia – The Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Interparliamentary Affairs, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has announced that the Nigerian Senate is preparing to introduce an improved bill aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region Conference in Banjul, The Gambia, Senator Ibrahim said the forthcoming legislation will focus on expanding access to education for PWDs at all levels, improving access to healthcare facilities, and promoting sustainable living opportunities.
According to him, disability should not be viewed as a tragedy but as part of the human condition that deserves respect, empathy, and support. “The creator cannot be challenged. We must love them, make them happy, and ensure they are competitive in society,” he stressed.
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Disability Inclusion
Senator Ibrahim further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is already addressing national challenges through palliatives, equitable resource distribution, and reforms that cut across regional and ethnic divides. He said such measures are critical to building an egalitarian society capable of delivering sustainable development.
He reminded delegates that every country has its unique set of challenges and corresponding solutions. “The universal declaration of human rights, as we discuss today, can only progress through innovation if it addresses issues of poverty and deprivation. Unequal development within a federating state poses significant concerns for justice and national security,” he argued.
The Senator highlighted that beyond fundamental rights, governments must prioritize economic rights that guarantee citizens an excellent standard of living. “It is not just about rights on paper; it is about providing real opportunities and ensuring life can be lived with dignity,” he said.
Calls for Broader Legislative Action
In his address, Senator Ibrahim urged the CPA to strengthen laws that address gender equality, the protection of children, and youth empowerment. He also advised the body to prioritize legislation that empowers governments to mitigate climate risks, citing the case of Ayetoro in Ondo South Senatorial District, where coastal erosion and flooding have devastated livelihoods.
“Climate disasters worsen deprivation. Parliament must work hand-in-hand with the executive to ensure adequate frameworks for prevention, mitigation, and response,” he emphasized.
Senate’s Commitment and Oversight on Disability Matters
Representing the Nigerian Senate at the conference, Senator Ibrahim delivered a paper on behalf of the Deputy Senate President. In it, the Deputy Senate President called for improved oversight functions and better budgetary allocations dedicated to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
One of the major challenges, Ibrahim lamented, is the lack of reliable data on the number and categories of PWDs in Nigeria. He called on the executive arm of government to urgently establish and maintain a national disability data bank to guide policymaking and service delivery.
He reassured the Commonwealth leaders that part two of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda holds “incredible opportunities and hope for persons living with disabilities,” adding that the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio is committed to fostering a harmonious relationship with the executive to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Theme of the Conference
The CPA Africa Region’s 56th meeting, themed “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Reconciliation in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks”, brought together parliamentarians from across the continent to deliberate on innovative strategies to address emerging socio-political and economic challenges.
Senator Ibrahim’s remarks were welcomed as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to both domestic reforms and continental collaboration in building inclusive democratic governance frameworks.
Follow the The Qualitative Magazine channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanfIB50wajpjGi3JJ1G
